So you join a gym and the first thing they try to sell you on is a trainer. If SAFETY is of no concern to you, perhaps understanding the many ways that working out without any prior knowledge can do so much serious damage. Let's start with MUSCLE PAIN - something that is very easy to overlook. Since it’s usually a mild dull pain and does not hinder daily activities unless at an extreme stage, people tend to wait too long before consulting a physician. There may be two kinds of a muscle injury. You many have a sprain (which is the stretching or tearing of the muscle and the tendon) or a strain which is the stretching or tearing of the ligament. (go to full article)

THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT JUICING

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FOOD CHARITIES: GIVING HEALTHY DONATIONS

RAW CACAO - A REMEDY FOR WEIGHT LOSS
One of the greatest healthcare issues being faced by the whole world is obesity. A huge population of the world is now becoming obese or overweight. There are various remedies that have been presented in order to overcome this challenge. But it is not always possible for one to give up their favorite foods like chocolates and cakes in order to become healthy. Well, there is good news for chocolate lovers and those who love cacao. Because according to research, cacao can help you reduce your weight when consumed in proper amounts. (MORE)

This week's question comes from M.M. in Tuckahoe: Since I recently gave birth to my son, I have been so
very fatigued, but all of
my blood tests look “good.” Any thoughts?

As with any health problem, in order to feel better you first have to know what’s wrong.
Looking for a quick fix rarely gives lasting results. In fact, taking stimulants will, in the long run, usually
make the problem worse, so put the coffee down and let’s sort this out.
To resolve ANY problem, we start at the beginning with a differential diagnosis. Unfortunately, in the various
textbooks of differential diagnosis, the list of illnesses that have fatigue as a major component of their
presentation goes on for pages and pages of very small print. If the fatigue is really debilitating then that list
has to be seriously looked at.
This is where experience and common sense come in handy as a way to eliminate most of the causes. For
instance, since you recently gave birth to your son (congratulations, by the way) then it’s a safe bet that you
don’t have prostate cancer. But, there is a variety of problems with your endocrine system (balance of
hormones) that can cause severe
fatigue and are related to pregnancy. Some of these include thyroid or
adrenal imbalances and diabetes, just to get us started. The “usual” blood tests won’t pick up an early
thyroiditis, for example, as special blood tests are needed and must be specifically ordered.

During pregnancy there are many changes that occur to your biochemistry. With the increased demands
placed upon it, nutritional deficiencies are a real possibility. Since biochemistry underlies everything, if it
gets out of balance your hormones can quickly follow suit and a so called post-partum depression may
ensue, which often has fatigue as a prominent symptom.

The most important thing to know is that illness is cause by acid. Acid and alkaline balance is important to your health. Once you master this in your diet, you will thrive. You will be surprised by all the diseases and ailments that are caused by acidity in the diet and then in the body. Acidity causes disturbance in your enzymes, de-mineralization and seriously harmful acid activity. If you are too acidic you may suffer from the following; low energy, depression, nervousness and agitation, low stress threshold, conjunctivitis, arthritis and more. Understanding the balance is the key. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14 The numbers below 7 are acidic (low on oxygen) The numbers above 7 are alkaline. 60-80% of the diet should be alkaline and 20-40% should be acidic for an optimum result...

1. TURMERIC is known to be effective in reducing pain. In fact studies showed that it was more effective in pain and inflammation reduction when compared to steroid medications. This is due to the protein NF-kB in turmeric which helps the body combat pain more effectively.

2. RED GRAPES have been proven to be 10 times more effective in reducing back pain than aspirin. This is because they contain an antioxidant named Resveratrol which blocks tissue degenerating enzymes. Red grapes are most effective for reducing back pain.

3. GINGER is effective in the reduction of prostaglandin levels which are responsible for causing pain. A daily dose of 500mg of ginger can reduce pain effectively.

4. SOY: The soy protein contains isoflavones which is a pant hormone. The hormone is known to reduce inflammation and pain especially those associated with arthritis.

5. SALMON: If you’ve been feeling pain in your neck, then salmon should be your food of choice. Chock full of Omega 3 fatty acids; this amenity from the ocean can reduce pain by 60%.

6. CHERRIES: Other than ginger and turmeric, Cherries are also known for their pain relieving properties. Filled with high levels of anthocyanins, cherries can reduce joint pains and symptoms of arthritis.

7. COFFEE lovers can be at ease now. Being a natural pain reliever, caffeine can often be found within pain medications. Coffee is known to reduce post workout pain. 2 cups of coffee can reduce pain by 50%.

8. SAGE: The go-to herb for the alleviation of ailments such as a sore through, ulcers, tonsils and gum disease, Sage also boasts pain reliving properties.
The rosmarinic acid within the herb soothes inflame muscles and reduces pain. The best way to have sage is by sprinkling it on food as a seasoning or adding it to an herbal tea.

9. WALNUTS are a sure fire way of reducing pain. Filled with Omega 3 fatty acids, they reduce inflammation and help reduce pain.

10. CELERY: Containing more than 20 anti inflammatory compounds, celery is highly effective at reducing the symptoms of pain. The main compound named apigenin helps the body combat pain more effectively. Celery intake can be increased by adding its seeds to soup and may even be used as an alternative to salt.